Café Noir (CLOSED)

Sultry Café Noir is a honeycomb of small saffron-hued rooms dotted with tables. As at owner Georges Forgeois’s other enterprises (Bar Tabac, Jules Bistro, Le Singe Vert), the scene is exquisite, and the food (mostly small plates) is almost as good. Try the delicious avocado hummus with warm pita or the phyllo cigars stuffed with well-spiced shrimp, spinach and feta. The couscous royale entrée was underwhelming, but for most patrons, food is an afterthought. Café Noir’s strength is its sexy setting.